Rafael Nadal is set to face a tough challenge on his return to the French Open as the organizers announced draws for the singles event on Thursday, May 23. The legendary Spaniard has been drawn against the world no.4 Alexander Zverev in the first round and is in the same half as the defending champion Novak Djokovic.
Nadal, the 22-time Grand Slam winner, is returning to Roland-Garros after missing the majority of the 2023 season. But the veteran faces the toughest draw possible in his bid for the 15th major at Roland-Garros. Zverev, who won the Italian Cup last week, is expected to cause the first-round upset on Sunday, May 26.
Meanwhile, the defending champion Novak Djokovic has been drawn against the wild card entrant Pierre-Hugues Herbert in the round of 128. The Serbian claimed the third title in Paris in 2023 after beating Casper Ruud in three straight sets. Djokovic is targeting his record-extending 25th major in Paris and also defending the top seed with approaching Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner.
The world no.2 Jannik Sinner is facing Christopher Eubanks in his first game while the no.3 Carlos Alcaraz takes on a qualifier. According to the current ATP rankings, Djokovic and Ruud are set to clash in the potential quarterfinal round.
Potential men’s singles quarterfinals
- (1) Novak Djokovic vs Casper Ruud (7)
- (4) Daniil Medvedev vs Alexander Zverev (5)
- (3) Carlos Alcaraz vs Andrey Rublev (6)
- (2) Jannik Sinner vs Hubert Hurkacz (8)
Meanwhile, in the women's singles draw, the world no.1 Iga Swiatek will kick off her title defence against a qualifier but might face the four-time Grand Slam winner Naomi Osaka in the second round. Swiatkek is targeting a hat-trick of titles at Roland-Garros in 2024 and recently won the Italian Open and Madrid Open to further boost her chances.
